summary

The Head of Communications & Media is a senior role responsible for building and protecting trust in headspace's mission and impact. Leading an integrated communications, media and thought leadership function, the role provides strategic, politically astute counsel to the CEO and Executive, shapes national narratives, and ensures youth voices remain central in a complex, high‑profile environment.

about headspace

headspace is Australia's leading youth mental health organisation established to improve the wellbeing of young people aged 12 to 25. Through our national programs, partnerships and support for the headspace network, we help young people and their families navigate mental health, work, and study challenges with confidence. We strive to create environments where every young person feels empowered, supported and able to thrive. Learn more at headspace.org.au.  

The Media & Communications team is part of the Engagement, Growth & Reputation Division. The team supports our organisation's goals through strategic and tactical internal and external communications, and compelling storytelling.

why you'll love working with us

At headspace, we're committed to safe, inclusive and high-quality services for young people and their families. Our culture is purpose-led and guided by our values and the headspace Way. We actively work to ensure culturally safe and responsive services for First Nations young people, and we celebrate and value diversity across identities, experiences and communities.

This is a great opportunity to join a tightly-knit, collaborative, fun and high-performing team.

You will also be eligible to access headspace benefits including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging, up to the maximum $15,900 per FBT year
• 15 days personal leave
• 20 days annual leave plus additional leave over the Christmas period
• 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Remote/hybrid work
• Flexible working arrangements
• Access to EAP
• Access to professional development

what you'll do

As Head of Communications & Media you will lead an integrated communications, media and thought leadership function that strengthens trust in and visibility of headspace across Australia. Reporting to the Executive Director, Communications & Marketing, you'll provide strategic counsel to the CEO and Executive, lead a small high-performing team, and guide proactive and reactive communications in a complex, high-profile environment.

Working in this role, you will:

• Develop and implement headspace's national media and communications strategy, ensuring youth voices remain at the heart of messaging and activity.
• Provide high-quality, politically astute advice to the CEO, Executive and senior leaders, including on issues and crisis management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media and key stakeholders to amplify headspace's impact.
• Oversee internal and external communications governance, including frameworks, policies and processes that mitigate risk and lift quality.
• Lead thought leadership strategy and delivery, sharing the respected expertise of headspace leaders.
• Partner with colleagues from the Engagement, Growth & Reputation Division to deliver integrated plans and campaigns across communications, marketing and fundraising.
• Manage budgets, work plans, performance reporting and external suppliers to deliver value and excellent outcomes.
• Lead, mentor and develop a small but mighty team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive and high-performing culture.

This is a hybrid role based in Melbourne, with two set onsite days at our newly appointment and light-filled national office in the CBD, with additional onsite days and occasional travel as required.

what you'll bring

• Significant senior leadership experience (7+ years) leading media, communications and/or corporate affairs functions, with a track record of building high-performing teams.
• Tertiary qualifications in communications, media, journalism or related discipline (or equivalent demonstrated experience).
• Strong strategic communication capability, including designing and embedding communications strategies, policies and processes.
• Deep experience leading proactive and reactive media, including issues and crisis communications in high-pressure environments.
• Excellent writing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to craft compelling, audience-centred content across channels.
• Systems thinking and comfort navigating complexity, interdependencies and competing priorities.
• Budget management experience and confident supplier/agency management.
• A strong, authentic commitment to improving the mental health and wellbeing of young people.

We recognise that people bring different experiences to leadership roles. If you meet most but not all of the criteria, we still encourage you to apply.

how to apply

• Click on 'Apply Now' to view the position description and to complete your application. Please include a current resume and a 1-2 page cover letter addressing the key criteria that will make you successful in this role.
• We review all applications as they come in, so we encourage you to apply early.
• To arrange a confidential discussion, please contact Anita Rivera, Executive Director Communications & Marketing: [email protected] using the subject line: Head of Communications and Media enquiry via EthicalJobs. 

To be eligible for this position you must:

• Have the right to live and work in Australia.
• Hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC) in your home State / Territory.
• Satisfactorily undergo a headspace Police Check.

headspace is an inclusive, safe and committed employer

headspace is committed to workforce diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees are valued, celebrated, and can contribute meaningfully. We encourage applications from people with lived experience of diversity to enhance the depth of skill and insight within our workforce. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this role and all current vacancies.

headspace is committed to being a child safe and child friendly organisation that recognises, respects, and promotes the rights of children, young and vulnerable people. For this reason, we will conduct a National Criminal Background Check and Working with Children Check as part of our recruitment process for all new employees.  

headspace will provide reasonable personalisation for all candidates to participate equitably in the recruitment process. Please advise us should you require assistance.